WordValeepidemic
a disease outbreak spreading rapidly in a region
In more detail
1. (noun) a disease that spreads quickly and affects many people in an area at the same time
2. (noun) a rapid spread or outbreak of something undesirable
Examples
- 1. During the flu epidemic, schools were closed and many people stayed home.
- 2. The city faced a crime epidemic that required urgent action.
How to use epidemic
Epidemic is used for diseases or negative phenomena that spread widely and affect large populations in a defined geographic area, often implying urgency and public health concern. It carries a more alarming tone than outbreak but is less severe in scope than pandemic. The noun can be used metaphorically for crime, obesity, or other social problems spreading rapidly.
Common phrases
- disease epidemic
- epidemic of violence
- epidemic proportions
- spread an epidemic
- control the epidemic
Synonyms
outbreak · plague · wave · surge · contagion
Word family
epidemics (plural) · epidemic (adjective) · epidemiological · epidemiology · epidemiologist
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse epidemic (affecting a large area or population) with endemic (naturally occurring or prevalent in a specific region), or incorrectly use epidemic when pandemic (affecting multiple continents or worldwide) is meant.
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